Robotically assisted mitral valve repair 

 
Incision for Robotically Assisted Mitral Valve Repair

Incision for Robotically Assisted Mitral Valve Repair

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Patient 2 weeks after surgery

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair Patient 2 weeks after surgery

Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

Dr. Katz performed the first FDA-approved Robotically Assisted Thoracic Surgical procedure in the United States. Today, he continues to pioneer new techniques for this technology and is the only cardiac surgeon in Virginia to offer robotically assisted cardiac surgery.

Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery is the most minimally invasive surgical option for patients needing mitral valve repair.  The mitral valve is accessed through a small 2 cm incision, between the ribs, and four 1 cm instrument ports. The robotic camera provides superior visualization of the mitral valve leading to more precise and successful repairs. Robotic mitral valve surgery patients typically have no driving restrictions and are able to return to normal activities within a week or two.

Compared to traditional or open-heart surgery, robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Shorter hospital stays and less time in ICU
  • Significantly less pain and scarring
  • Less risk of wound infections
  • Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
  • Faster recovery 
  • Quicker return to normal activities and lifestyles

 

Repair vs. Replacement 

There are two types of mitral valve surgery:

Valve repair

·      Reconstructs your own valve

·      Uses your own tissues

Valve replacement

·      Damaged valve is cut out

·      Replaces your valve with a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve

 

Valve repair, where your native valve is repaired, is the preferred treatment option for mitral valve disease.  The Heart Valve Center surgeons have extensive experience in mitral valve repair and are dedicated to evaluating every patient for mitral valve repair.  This commitment to mitral valve repair has made the Heart Valve Center one of the top valve programs in the country, with a mitral valve repair success rate approaching 100%, far surpassing the national average of 50 -60%. 

 

Advantages of Repair

·      Better long-term survival

·      Improved lifestyle

·      Improved heart function and maintain heart structure

·      Better valve durability

·      Lower risk of stroke and infection (endocarditis)

·      Decreased need for blood thinners (anticoagulants)